This man-made insulin product is the same as human insulin. It is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, blindness, and sexual function problems.Human isophane insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin. It starts to work more slowly but lasts longer than regular insulin. Isophane insulin is often used in combination with a shorter-acting insulin. In some people with diabetes, insulin may be used alone or with other diabetes drugs (e.g., sulfonylureas like glyburide).People with diabetes do not make enough insulin for their body to properly use the sugar in food. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and using your insulin as directed can help you live an active and healthy life.

Uses
This man-made insulin product is the same as human insulin. It is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, blindness, and sexual function problems.Human isophane insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin. It starts to work more slowly but lasts longer than regular insulin. Isophane insulin is often used in combination with a shorter-acting insulin. In some people with diabetes, insulin may be used alone or with other diabetes drugs (e.g., sulfonylureas like glyburide).People with diabetes do not make enough insulin for their body to properly use the sugar in food. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and using your insulin as directed can help you live an active and healthy life. Notes

Do not share this medication, needles, or syringes with others.It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all the important aspects of its treatment, including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications, and getting regular eye, foot, and medical exams.Keep all medical appointments.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor for side effects and response to therapy.Wear or carry identification stating that you have diabetes and are using this drug.

(See Medical Alert section.)

Storage

Insulin is usually stored in the refrigerator, but because different types of insulin have different storage requirements, it is important to learn and follow storage directions for your particular product.

In general, store the unopened vial/cartridge/pen in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).

Some devices for giving insulin should not be refrigerated.

Consult your pharmacist about how to store your brand of insulin.Once opened, the vial may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C).

Store in the carton to protect from light.

Discard the vial 28 days after opening.

Check the labeling on the cartridge or pen for storage after opening and while in use.

Most of these products are stored at room temperature for different lengths of time (e.g., 7-14 days).

Do not freeze.

Discard the insulin if it has been frozen or if it is past the expiration date.Protect insulin from light, heat, and moisture.

Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Keep extra supplies of insulin, syringes, and needles on hand.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet before you start using this insulin and each time you get a refill.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.This insulin must be injected.

Learn all preparation and usage instructions, including how to measure the correct dose, how to inject this medication properly, and how to self-manage your diabetes (e.g., monitoring blood sugar, recognizing and treating high/low blood sugar).

Your health care professional will teach you how to use this medication.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.Wash your hands before measuring and injecting insulin.

Before using, warm this drug to room temperature if it has been refrigerated.

Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful.

The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature.

The length of time you can store it at room temperature depends on the product.

(See also Storage section.)Gently roll the vial or cartridge, turning it upside down and back to mix the medication.

Do not shake the container.

Check the product visually for clumps or discoloration.

If either is present, do not use the insulin.

Isophane insulin should look evenly cloudy/milky after mixing.

Do not use if you see clumps of white material, a "frosty" appearance, or particles stuck to the sides of the vial or cartridge.Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol.

It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to prevent problem areas under the skin (lipodystrophy).

Do not reuse the site for 2 weeks.

Inject the medication quickly over 2-4 seconds under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, buttock, or back of the upper arm.

If you inject too slowly (more than 5 seconds), the tip of the needle may become clogged and you may not get the correct dose.

Do not inject into a vein.

After pulling out the needle, apply gentle pressure on the injection site.

Do not rub the area.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar levels.Use this medication regularly as directed by your doctor to get the most benefit from it.

This is very important in order to determine the correct insulin dose.This product may be mixed with regular insulin only.

Always draw the regular insulin into the syringe first, then follow with the isophane insulin.

Consult your pharmacist about which products may be mixed and about the proper method for mixing insulin.

Never inject a mixture of different insulins into a vein.Do not change brands/types of insulin, syringes, or needles without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

Do not reuse disposable needles and syringes.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.

Side
Effects

Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation) may occur.

If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

This effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories or if you have taken too much insulin.

It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar.

If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, quickly raise your blood sugar level by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda.

Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction.

To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist about what you should do if you miss a meal.Too little insulin can cause symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Before taking insulin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other types of insulins; or if you have any other allergies.Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal/pituitary gland problems, infection (especially with diarrhea or vomiting), kidney disease, liver disease, nerve problems (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), thyroid problems.You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness and clear vision such as driving or using machinery.Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing low blood sugar.During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar.

Consult your doctor because a change in your medication or how often you test your blood sugar may be required.Changes in your activity level may affect the amount of insulin you need.

Tell your doctor if your insulin needs are changing.

Check your blood sugar readings before and after exercise.

You may need a snack beforehand.If traveling across time zones, ask your doctor about how to adjust your insulin schedule.

Take extra insulin and supplies with you.The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially low blood sugar.Children may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially low blood sugar.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

If you are planning pregnancy, discuss a plan for managing your blood sugars with your doctor before you become pregnant.

Your doctor may switch the type of insulin you use during pregnancy.

Consult your doctor for more details.This medication does not pass into breast milk.

Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your insulin needs may change while breast-feeding.

Missed
Dose

It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly.

Do not miss any doses of insulin.

Discuss specific instructions with your doctor now in case you miss a dose of insulin in the future.

Drug
Interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: bupropion, pioglitazone/rosiglitazone.Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar.

Before you start or stop any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about using that product safely.

Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that could affect your blood sugar.

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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment.